Tensions Rise over Potential Israel-Iran Escalation Amid Gaza War
Plus: Developments in Gaza; Turkey’s ban on exports to Israel; Germany accused of supporting Gaza genocide; and Saudi Arabia scales back $1.5 trillion Neom project.
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Tensions Rise over Potential Israel-Iran Escalation Amid Gaza War
The Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Syria last week, which killed a top Iranian official, has heightened tensions in the Middle East regarding Iranian retaliation.
In this case, diplomacy plays a crucial role, as a potential attack from Iran on Israel is likely to further escalate tensions in the region, which is already inflamed due to the conflict in Gaza and the military confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as Yemen’s Houthis military operations in the Red Sea.
Iran has sent a message to the United States signaling that Tehran will respond to Israel in a manner aimed at avoiding escalation and will not act hastily, as reported by Reuters. This is despite Bloomberg’s report earlier this week suggesting that the U.S. and its allies perceive Iran’s potential assault on Israel as imminent.
However, Israel says it’s ready to defend itself and retaliate if Iran responds. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu articulated this stance, affirming that Israel is prepared to meet all security needs, defensively and offensively, extending beyond the Gaza area. This indirect reference alludes to concerns regarding Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, the head of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), visited Israel for discussions with Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, to address concerns about a potential escalation. The talks centered on the expected Iranian reaction following the Israeli attack on Iran’s consulate in Syria.
Developments in Gaza
Meanwhile, Israeli military operations in Gaza have not ceased with the end of Ramadan. It’s worth noting that the Israeli military has withdrawn its ground troops, specifically the 98th Commando Division, from the southern Gaza Strip, although one brigade remains. However, this move could signal preparations for a major operation in Rafah, as Netanyahu has indicated that Israel has set a date for an invasion of the Palestinian city in southern Gaza. This comes amid ongoing but deadlocked truce talks with Hamas in Cairo.
The withdrawal of some Israeli troop units from the Southern Gaza Strip has prompted some Palestinians to return to Khan Younis, where an initial assessment by the city’s municipality suggests that more than 80% of buildings are estimated to be destroyed, with the remainder mostly uninhabitable, as reported by National Public Radio (NPR).
Israel this week also carried out an airstrike that resulted in the deaths of three sons and four grandchildren of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who is based abroad in Qatar. Reports indicate that they were visiting relatives in Shati, their home refugee camp in Gaza City, during the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Turkey Imposes Export Restrictions on Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
Turkey imposed restrictions on exports to Israel until a Gaza ceasefire, marking Ankara’s first major action against Israel in six months of conflict. Israel plans to retaliate with its own limits on Turkish goods. Turkey criticized Israel for its Gaza campaign, calling for an immediate ceasefire, endorsing legal action against Israel, and sending aid to Gaza. Despite this, Turkey maintained commercial ties with Israel, leading to domestic criticism. The trade restrictions, effective immediately, follow Israel’s refusal of a Turkish request to participate in an aid airdrop into Gaza. The measures cover exports of various products, including steel, fertilizer, and jet fuel.
Read more on Reuters.
Germany Rejects Nicaragua’s Accusations of Gaza Genocide Support
Germany responded to Nicaragua’s accusations of “facilitating genocide” in Gaza, asserting its support for Israel based on historical context. At the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Germany’s representative, Tania von Uslar-Gleichen, rejected Nicaragua’s claims, labeling them biased. She vowed to clarify Germany’s position during the court’s session. Nicaragua accused Germany of breaching its obligations under the Genocide Convention by backing Israel politically, financially, and militarily during the Gaza conflict, as well as suspending funding to UNRWA, the main U.N. humanitarian agency in Gaza.
Read more on CNN.
Saudi Arabia Scales Back $1.5 Trillion Neom Project
Saudi Arabia is scaling back its ambitions for Neom, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s flagship project aimed at diversifying the oil-dependent economy. Originally, the government aimed for 1.5 million residents in The Line, a futuristic city within Neom, by 2030. Now, officials anticipate fewer than 300,000 residents. This shift coincides with delays in approving Neom’s 2024 budget by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, according to sources. It highlights concerns over the financial realities of the massive investment amid efforts to achieve the ambitious Vision 2030 program aimed at economic diversification.
Read more on Bloomberg.
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About me
My name is Dario Sabaghi, and I am a freelance journalist interested in international news with a focus on the MENA region.
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Cover photo | Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo